Kaffe · a free, private bookshelf

A private alternative to Goodreads

If you like keeping track of what you read but don't want a public profile, Kaffe may suit you better than Goodreads. It's a free, private bookshelf you share with a small group of people you already know.

You sign up with a name and a password. Kaffe doesn't ask for an email address, phone number or real name. Your shelf is private by default. When you want to share it, you make a circle, send its link to a few friends or family members, and choose which circles can see your shelf. There is no user search, no public reviews and nothing is visible to strangers.

Moving over is quick. On Goodreads, export your library as a CSV (My Books, then Import and export). Kaffe reads Goodreads and StoryGraph exports directly, and lets you map the columns of other reading-list CSVs. You can export your Kaffe shelf again later, or delete your data.

Kaffe is smaller than Goodreads on purpose. It focuses on your shelf, star ratings, short notes on books (up to 280 characters), comparing shelves with a friend, and recommendations from people you trust. It has no ads and nothing to install.

Start your own reading circle: free, with just a name and a password. No email, no ads.

Questions

Can I import my Goodreads library?

Yes. Export your library as a CSV from Goodreads and import it into Kaffe. StoryGraph exports work too.

Is my Kaffe profile public?

No. There are no public profiles. Only people you invite can see anything: friends in your reading circle see your to-read list and top picks, and your full shelf is visible only to circles you choose.

Does Kaffe have ads?

No. Kaffe is free and ships no ads or tracking cookies.

What doesn't Kaffe do that Goodreads does?

Kaffe has no public reviews, author pages, giveaways or stranger feeds. It's built for sharing with people you know.

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